Eacles imperialis

The metamorphic stages of the Imperial Moth, 2007.

Hatched larvae of both June and September broods were fed Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Prairie Flameleaf Sumac (Rhus lanceolata) and ate both freely in rearing chambers. It surprised me that they fed indiscriminately when both host leaves were offered at the same time. Many species will not switch hosts once a particular plant has been consumed.

Those reared outdoors were inserted into sleeves on the sumac, since it's softer foliage was kinder to the material. Mature caterpillars were removed from netting and allowed to seek soil burrows on their own, except for 2 kept for vouchering as adults. Moths captured at lights in Comal and Hays counties were released at dusk, once photographed.